Carbontetrachloride is one solvent that I've heard that is used in cleaning watch parts but it's nasty stuff! Better to keep your health intact and go the cost of a new set. Perhaps a line of credit on your existing home could help or I understand blood banks are always looking for donors. You might check the price of recycling aluminum cans in your neighborhood. There must be at least several other ways to come up with some extra $$$. How about pop bottles, they don't let you turn them in for deposit here where I live but maybe...